The Mad Girls of New York

A Nellie Bly Novel, Book 1

By: Maya Rodale

Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

One of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 So Far!

“Gloriously recommended.” —Historical Novel Society

A gripping and compelling novel based on the true story of fearless reporter Nellie Bly, who will stop at nothing to prove that a woman’s place is on the front page.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets herself committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Once inside, Nellie befriends her fellow patients who help her uncover shocking truths about the asylum. It’s a story that promises to be explosive—but will she get out before rival reporters get the scoop?

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a witty, energetic and uplifting novel about a woman who defied convention to become the most famous reporter in Gilded Age New York. Perfect for fans of hidden histories about women who triumph.

©2022 Maya Rodale (P)2022 Penguin Audio

an intriguing listen for sure

this book is mostly true as we come to find out at the very end in the author's note. It seemed a little slow in getting to the what I call big moments but once you got there it was even more fascinating to listen to. definitely recommend the listen!

Interesting partly true story

Quite a few liberties taken with this story but it was very readable and kept my interest. Did not enjoy the narrator and at some stage in the future I think I may read the story for myself. Loved the main characters amongst the ‘mad girls’ especially prayer girl.

Wonderful page turner

I could not put it down. I had heard of Nellie Bly but had no idea of the many difficulties women faced during the "Gilded Age" and her contributions to reform.

Maya Rodale has written some captivating, memorable and yes, naughty books about women breaking (or circumventing) societal rules and finding romance in the process.

The Mad Girls of New York is somewhat of a departure from past novels and as a result is both different yet comfortingly familiar. Nellie Bly was a force of nature and she comes alive in Rodale's story. She is unstoppable. And she did it on her own, helping other women along the way. That is pure Rodale.

Although this is not a romance novel, Nellie is enough to carry the whole story and there is a hint of romance to come...

Story OK, narrator not

The story is OK. It kept me mildly interested. I liked the twist toward the end. I found the narrator annoying, with her sing song inflection and tone.